SALINA- During the month of October, the Salina Police Department and the Salina Fire Department have noticed a significant increase in the incidents requiring medical assistance due to the side effects from using synthetic cannabinoids commonly known as “Potpourri” or “Spice”
During October, Salina EMS responded to 15 calls for service which involved the smoking of potpourri. The patients had various symptoms that ranged from being unresponsive to paranoid and combative. The EMS units also reported some patients having convulsions, loss of body functions, nausea, vomiting, and high anxiety. The age of the patients ranged from teens to those in their fifties. The majority or the patients reported to the EMS crews they had smoked very little potpourri. A majority of the patients also were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Salina Police and Salina Fire want to warn residents about the hazards of potpourri. Based on the recent incidents involving potpourri, necessitating a medical response , it appears the potpourri being sold on the streets of Salina is extremely potent.
Some of the common effects of potpourri are:
Loss of body functions, inability to feel pain, pale skin, heart palpitations, nervousness, nausea, tremors, dilated pupils, flushing, elevated body temperature, high blood pressure, paranoia, depression, restlessness, delusions, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, and seizures.
The School Resource Officers at Central and South High Schools have given presentations to the students about potpourri and the dangers of smoking it.
Officers of the Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, and Agents of the Drug Task Force are working to identify the supplier(s) and distributors of potpourri to Salina residents. Any with information about potpourri or any other illegal narcotics are ask to call the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 785-826-6500, or Crimestoppers at 785-825-TIPS. Information can also be given through both departments websites.